Deadly violence still plagues Iraq as Spain slims down diplomatic presence

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

BAGHDAD : A US soldier was killed in Iraq and the Baghdad headquarters of the coalition authority came under barrage in another bold swipe at the US-led occupation that wounded four troops.

And as the violence swirled unabated, Spain, a staunch US ally in the Iraq conflict, announced it was pulling some of its diplomats and experts out of the war-torn country.

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A US soldier was killed and two others wounded when an improvised explosive device blew up in Baghdad on Tuesday morning, a military spokeswoman said.

The death pushed the US toll to 141 since May 1, when Washington declared major hostilities over. During the main offensive in the six weeks before that, hostile fire cost 114 American lives.

And a British Royal Royal Marine commando has been killed by hostile fire, the defence ministry in London said Tuesday, without disclosing the location of the attack.

His death on Friday brought to 52 the number of British troops killed since the war started in March. Britain currently occupies the southern part of the country.

The ongoing violence prompted Spain to announce it was recalling experts and some diplomatic staff from Baghdad for talks on the situation there.
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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/55614/1/.html

[neuvocat]

1. If I ever have to leave the U.S.

then Spain is starting to look good again.

[peterh]

2. The coalition of the “well maybe we should rethink this”….

There must be a lot of nervous diplomats wondering if their career is worth this shit…


http://www.abcnews.go.com/wire/World/ap20031104_1329.html

Spain became the third coalition member to withdraw diplomats from Iraq because of stepped-up insurgent attacks. Last month, Bulgaria and the Netherlands moved their diplomats to Jordan, also citing worsening security.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

3. that makes 3 countries this week that have pulled out of Iraq

Netherland, Balgaria and Spain